Disturbed by the heightened rate of insecurity across all regions, the Senate may soon craft laws that would help in safeguarding various communities across the country.
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who dropped the hint on Tuesday while welcoming his colleagues from their long annual recess, stressed the need for the lawmakers to prioritize security of the country where every citizen could walk freely.
This was just as he sympathized with Nigerians over the current rising economic pressures with the harsh realities of inflation, soaring living costs, and an unpredictable market.
“These challenges have tested the very fabric of our society, and I stand here today to express our deepest empathy for every Nigerian who bears the burden of these trying times. Your struggles are not lost on us; it is our sacred duty, as your earnest representatives, to respond with urgency and compassion,” he said.
Akpabio added that amid these trials, the administration of President Bola Tinubu has achieved commendable strides in various sectors, pointing out that “our agricultural initiatives are beginning to bear fruit, and the strides made in infrastructure development are paving the way for a brighter future.”
He, however, maintained that “these hard-won gains must not overshadow the pressing issues that still loom large before us”, stressing “we must prioritize the security of our nation, ensuring that every citizen can walk down any street in this country without fear.”
“The recent surge in insecurity, particularly in various regions, is a clarion call for us to double our efforts in crafting laws and taking decisive actions to safeguard our communities,” he said.
The Senate President further said: “While the Judiciary may stand as the last refuge of the common man, it is the Legislature that embodies the first glimmer of hope for the common man. I believe that if we, as the architects of our nation’s destiny, can stem the tide when it rises and set our sails with purpose, the Executive will navigate with greater ease, and the Judiciary will ensure that the course defined by our collective will is adhered to.
“The recent break was an opportunity for us to connect with the heartbeat of your constituents, instilling in them the belief that brighter days lie ahead. In the past three months, we have witnessed a myriad of significant developments—both trials and triumphs—that demand our immediate attention and resolute action.”
Akpabio also urged the senators to commit themselves to transparency and accountability in their dealings, saying “it is through our integrity and openness that we shall uphold the trust of the people”, adding “we must engage with our constituents, listen intently to their grievances, and ensure that their voices resonate within these hallowed wall.”
While reminding them that they are the voice of the people—entrusted with the sacred mandate to advocate for their rights and elevate their lives, he said “the challenges we face are formidable, yet we must confront them with unwavering candor and relentless determination.”
“We shall neither retreat nor surrender in our quest to uplift the fortunes of our fellow Nigerians. We must prove ourselves worthy of the trust they have placed in us,” he assured.